Mom's birthday coming up, is the iPad 2 the right gift for her?

[Night Spring]

My mom is not exactly a tech novice, but she's not a power user either. She got the iPad 1 wifi last year and loved it, then recently upgraded to an iPad 2 3g. She now hardly turns on her computer, she says the iPad is so much easier to use.

The problem, however, with older users is that they can't remember new commands/gestures as easily. I had to tell her several times how to double-tap the home button to get the applications switch bar before she finally learned it. She now keeps calling me every time the iPad freezes and I have to tell her how to do a reset (hold both power and home for ten seconds). I'm not sure if she'll ever learn that trick, since it happens quite infrequently. Wonder if I should make her a sign and have her tape it to the fridge or something?

 

[eastercat]

Unless your mom goes to defcon every year, a MBP is going to be overkill.
As suggested above, she can keep her laptop for flash sites and d/l and use her ipad for the remainder.

 

[MotleyGrrl]

I think it's a great idea! Even an original Ipad would be good.

 

[Alphaforcex]

I think your mom will love it. I bought one for my mom when it launches and she absolutely loves it. Like someone said before, buy it, try it out and return it if it doesn't work out.

 

[Penarthian49]

Yes!Yes!Yes!

As a computer savvy mum and nana I have had my iPad for a month and it is the coolest thing I have ever owned. I use it, together with a mi fi , every day all day. I email, play games and do everything I can do on my pc and so much more!
Insead at peering at the small screen of the ipod touch We can now read the maps and clues when we go Geocaching. I was amazed how many people, young and old, were using their iPad as they waited for a hospital appointment.
My advice to anyone thinking about buying an older relative an iPad is YES go right ahead. It is lighter to carry around than a laptop and it is so cool!